131 9803 Dana 44 Front Disc Swap - gm Brake Assembly - Photo 04

Contrary to the myth, GM used three different versions of the open-knuckle Dana 44 from 1969 through 1972, one for early 1969, one from mid-1969 to 1971, and one for 1972. According to specs on paper, some '73-and-up 44 parts (all had disc brakes) should fit onto some '72-and-down 44s. But unless you check the stamped numbers on the axle tube and do some legwork (we'll explain later), you may not know your swap is in trouble until you're deep inside. Disassembly and appearance of parts are very similar.